Softbank Hawks Chairman Sadaharu Oh (86) spoke to the press at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 10th, mourning Isao Harimoto, who passed away on the 9th. Born in the same year, 1940, they formed the 'OH Cannon' for The Giants and led the team to two consecutive league championships in 1976 and 1977. Regarding his close friend, who recorded a professional baseball record of 3,085 career hits, he expressed his grief, saying, 'I want him to go to heaven with his head held high.'

Softbank Hawks Chairman Oh appeared before the press with a look of deep sorrow. "I am shocked by this sudden news. It is a shame that I could not say a final goodbye, but I hope he rests in peace." Born in the same year, 1940, he and Mr. Harimoto both entered the professional league in 1959. When Harimoto transferred to The Giants in 1976, they formed the "OH Cannon" duo, serving as the driving force behind the team's two consecutive league championships after having finished in last place the previous year.

Various memories flooded back. Mr. Harimoto, a graduate of Namisho (now Daitidai Namisho, Osaka), joined Toei (now Nippon-Ham). Chairman Oh, a graduate of Waseda Jitsugyo (Tokyo), joined The Giants. Although he said they 'didn't know each other well' during their high school days, Chairman Oh viewed Mr. Harimoto as someone special, saying, 'He was hitting hard from his first year as a pro, and I thought there was an amazing player of the same age. I felt like he was playing more freely and boldly than we were in The Giants,' as Mr. Harimoto played with ease and won the Rookie of the Year award.

In the 1962 season, he won his first two batting titles as the Home Run king and RBI king. When the All-Star game was held in Hiroshima, he reminisced about their family-like relationship, saying, 'He (Mr. Harimoto) told me, "If you're coming to Hiroshima anyway, stay at my place," so I stayed there. His mother treated me to a feast and everything.'

While Mr. Harimoto recorded a record-high total of 3,085 hits over 23 years, Chairman Oh recorded a record-high total of 868 Home Runs over 22 years. Their batting styles were different, and he praised him, saying, 'I always thought he used a more difficult hitting method than mine with his wide-angle hitting. He was incredibly skilled at catching the ball with the face of the bat.'

He also revealed that they were conscious of each other as rivals, saying, "That had a positive impact on both of our records and extended our playing careers." The other played for one year longer than he did. He reflected, "Although he had a handicap from the aftereffects of burns, I always strongly felt his spirit and determination. The word 'sturdy' fits him best. The fact that he was the leading hitter seven times and has over 3,000 hits is truly a brilliant achievement."

"We both took pride in the fact that we were able to do a decent amount of work for the baseball world. Unfortunately, he has been called to heaven, but I want him to go there with his head held high." They were comrades of the same age who had developed the professional baseball world. He was once again reflecting on the importance of his dear friend. (Toyo Moriguchi)